What is Underpainting Makeup ?

 If you’ve been living under a rock and don’t know Jennifer Lopez, it’s time to catch up! Not only is she a phenomenal artist with chart-topping music and blockbuster movies, but she’s also a skincare and makeup icon. Beyond the music and films, JLO’s makeup game is a standout. Ever wondered why her skin looks flawless? Well, credit goes to her makeup artist, Scott Barnes, who employs a technique called Underpainting. Let’s dive into the world of “Underpainting Makeup” and discover the secrets behind JLO’s radiant look!

So let’s see what is Underpainting in Makeup 

History of Underpainting Makeup

It is believed that, much like contouring, underpainting makeup was also conceived by Kevyn Aucoin, the late Australian makeup artist. He was the one who created beautifully chiseled faces through contouring. 

Like a cherished recipe, underpainting was known only to those who had mastered the art of the game. Scott Barnes, a very talented makeup artist, was doing it on Jennifer Lopez, and that was basically the secret to her airbrushed look. It was recently popularized on social media platforms after Mary Phillips used it on Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. But the good thing about its popularization is that now we know the secret behind JLO’s makeup look as well. How cool!

What is Underpainting Makeup?

Now, the question is: what is underpainting makeup? It is basically a technique where you apply everything on your face before foundation. Seems quite baffling, but it is the reality. By everything, I mean blush, contour, highlighter, and concealer.

Benefits of Underpainting Makeup

Underpainting makeup provides a very airbrushed look and flawless makeup as it avoids harsh lines resulting from improperly blended contour and blush, creating a flawless runway-ready canvas.

Usually, cream products are used in this technique, which is why it is a good makeup technique for mature and dry skin. It doesn’t highlight wrinkles and creases at all, and every product blends together seamlessly.

How can acne-prone people do underpainting 

While Underpainting makeup technique works best with cream and liquid foundation formulas, these may not be suitable for acne-prone skin due to their oil-producing nature, which can clog pores and make the skin look excessively shiny. 

It is better to either opt for a mix and match approach or use powder products. Apply them underneath the foundation, preferably a dewy foundation, for a perfectly sculpted look.

Underpainting Makeup Tutorial

Underpainting makeup might sound a bit fancy, but fear not, you don’t need to be Scott Barnes to pull it off!

Start Fresh

First things first, before applying any makeup, make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly using a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.

Prep It Right

For makeup to last longer and achieve a healthy glow, a bit of skin preparation is always crucial, even if you have acne-prone skin. Use a moisturizer suitable for your skin type and, if needed, apply a skin primer. Your face will thank you.

Conceal Like a Pro

If you have uneven skin tone and wish to conceal it, use a small amount of concealer.

Chisel and Sculpt

Now, the main part involves doing underpainting makeup with contour before applying the foundation. You can use cream blush, but since I have acne-prone skin, I’m opting for powder contour from the Luscious Cosmetics Contour Palette.

Hit those usual contour spots – Let’s give your face some definition! 

Blush It Up

Now, add a pop of blush where you love it the most. I prefer it on the higher part of my cheek. While you can use cream blushes, I’m using a lipstick from Pat McGrath in the shade “Love Interest” because I really love it.

Quick tip: If it’s getting sweaty, a dab of setting powder can save the day.

Foundation Finish

Now, for the grand finale – apply that foundation like a boss. I’ve chosen a very light moisturizing foundation from Max Factor, known for its great light coverage and skin-improving properties due to the inclusion of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. It’s a light foundation, so if you’re seeking full coverage, you might be a bit disappointed. It’s more akin to a BB cream. However, it looks exceptionally beautiful for achieving a light, natural makeup look, especially with underpainting makeup. Also, considering you’ve used the concealer, you can cover up blemishes to some extent with it.

 Lock It Down

Now, I prefer to seal everything with a dusting of setting powder. I’ve used the NYX HD Studio Setting Powder, which is a colorless powder and works really well on my skin. You literally need so little, and it goes a long way.

Shine On Top

Highlighter time! 

The underpainting makeup is not complete without highlighter. Many people go underneath, but trust me, it looks way better on top. For the highlighter, I’m using the same Face Contour Palette from Luscious Cosmetics, featuring a very good pearly gold highlighter. Apply it to the high points of your face, and you’re good to go.

If you want the makeup to last longer, you can use a makeup setting spray, but I think I can do without it since I only want the makeup to last 2-3 hours, and it is also winter.

Aicha’s recommendation

There you have it – your underpainting makeup game just went up a notch. Underpainting is a very easy technique, and it adds a little bit of spice to your makeup, even if you don’t want to do it every day. One challenge is that you might not know how much product to use, as it may not show up after you apply the foundation, especially with a full coverage one. However, I believe the key is to use a light foundation and gain some experience. 

Overall, it’s a great, easy technique for achieving an airbrushed makeup look.

Get the camera ready ! ✨💄